Why are Black Bars Sometimes Still Visible on a 16×9 HDTV?
It must be noted that in some cases, when viewing theatrical films in HDTV – you may still see black bars to the top and bottom of a 16×9 image, as some films were and are made in wider ratios than 16×9. For example: Original HDTV programming is made in the 16×9 (1.78) as aspect ratio, which fits the dimensions of HDTVs. However, many theatrically films are made in either the 1.85 or 2.35 aspect ratio, which is even wider than the 16×9 (1.78) aspect ratios of HDTVs. Thus, when viewing these films on an HDTV (if presented in their original theatrical aspect ratio) – you will see black bars on your 16×9 screen. However, the bars will be less pronounced than if the same movie was letterboxed on a standard 4×3 set. Aspect Ratios can vary from movie to movie or program to program. If you are watching a DVD or Blu-ray Disc – the aspect ratio listed on the package labeling will determine how it looks on your TV. For example if the film is listed as 1.78:1 – then it will fill the entire screen
